SHOKU Vancouver

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SHOKU Vancouver

1177 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 1G3

What is Kaiseki?

“Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese haute cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients cooked in a variety of cooking methods.” That is exactly what I was presented with when invited to their restaurant on the west side of Vancouver, BC. The Kaiseki experience emphasized seasonality, presentation, and balance. It consisted of a series of small, meticulously prepared dishes varying in a general list of components.

Sakizuke (先附): An appetizer to whet the appetite, usually served in small portions.
Hassun (八寸): The second course, featuring a selection of small dishes that reflect the season.
Mukōzuke (向付): Sashimi or other seasonal ingredients, often served with a dipping sauce.
Takiawase (煮合): Simmered vegetables, fish, or meat, highlighting various cooking techniques.
Futamono (蓋物): A "lidded dish," which can be a soup or a stew, typically served in a lidded bowl.
Yakimono (焼物): Grilled dish, often featuring fish or meat.
Su-zakana (酢肴): A palate-cleansing dish, often pickled vegetables.
Hassun (八寸): A second serving of small seasonal dishes, emphasizing the chef's skills and creativity.
Naka-choko (中猪口): A transitional course, often a light, refreshing soup.
Shiizakana (強肴): A substantial, usually meat-based dish.
Gohan (御飯): A rice dish, often served with pickles, soup, and other accompaniments.
Kō no mono (香の物): Pickles or a palate-cleansing dish, marking the end of the savory courses.
Mizumono (水物): A seasonal dessert, often a fruit-based dish or a light sweet.
Matcha (抹茶): Traditional powdered green tea, served with a small sweet to balance its bitterness.

Above are examples you can expect when dining at a Kaiseki concept restaurant. Keep in mind that the specific dishes and their preparation can vary widely depending on the chef, the season, and regional influences. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a harmonious and memorable dining experience that reflects the best of each season’s ingredients. At SHOKU, I felt a fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine. Two of my favorite types of cuisines in one.

What did I have?

My night started off with a dimly lit dinner, accompanied by two ladies playing the grand piano, which set a great vibe. I was served a glass of premium Japanese Green Tea, always perfect especially in the colder, winter season. On the menu, I was served a 5 Step Course priced at $58 CAD per person for dinner ($42 CAD for lunch). This is their lowest-priced Kaiseki, with a premium option for $78 CAD. The difference was the selection of Sashimi and BBQ served.

STEP 1
Salad - Spring Mix With Apple Dressing
Chawanmushi - Steamed Egg With Ichiban Sauce
Tempura - Yam, Green Bean, Prawn With Den Dash
STEP 2
Sashimi - Salmon, Hamachi, Madai
Nigiri - Bluefin, Aburi Ika, Jumbo Prawn
Atemaki - 3 Kind Fish On Top Of Kanpyo Maki
STEP 3
BBQ - Hire Katsu, Garlic Butter Prawn, King Oyster Mushroom, Grilled Pork Belly, Grilled Unagi, Grilled Scallop With Assorted Vegetable
Six Kind of Sides - Seasoned Green Onion, Pickled Radish, Onion, Cabbage, Grilled Garlic, Ssamjang Sauce, Katsu Sauce
STEP 4
Small Udon Soup - Ichiban Dashi-Based Veggie Udon
STEP 5
Dessert - Vanilla Ice Cream

Final Thoughts?

The experience of Kaiseki was nice and refreshing. It’s not something done often here in Vancouver, but it is very popular in Japanese culture; I first had Kaiseki at a hotel I was staying at up north in Japan. The Chawanmushi had a great savory, delicate steamed egg custard feel with each bite. This was a nice starter warming me up for the next course. That said, it would have been nice to include small shrimp or snow crab as well for an added component! Everything else was fairly standard, and cooked well with good variety. If you are into Japanese and Korean food, come give this place a try. Kaiseki is what they primarily focus on but they also have a la carte options to choose from, all sorts of oshi, sashimi, udon combos, specialty rolls, pasta, and donburi.

Overall, I enjoyed the food, and the menu is fairly priced. Honestly, I was still a bit hungry towards the end. The atmosphere felt clean, with a more upscale feel, but not quite to the fine dining level. This restaurant is a great place to go on a date, especially when there is live music being played on the grand piano. If you are looking for Japanese & Korean variety and can’t decide where to go, give SHOKU Vancouver a try!

Check out their Website - www.shokuvancouver.ca

Check out their Instagram - @shoku_van